Kennedys Announces Global And Regional Leadership Changes; Meg Catalano Appointed Global Managing Partner

Kennedys Announces Global and Regional Leadership Changes; Meg Catalano Appointed Global Managing Partner

Kennedys has named Meg Catalano as the firm’s new global managing partner, effective November 1, 2024. Currently serving as the regional managing partner for the US, Catalano is also a member of the firm’s executive group, which guides Kennedys' strategic direction and business operations. This appointment makes Catalano the first global managing partner based outside the UK, as she prepares to relocate to Kennedys' London office in 2025.

Catalano, who joined Kennedys in 2017 through its merger with Carroll McNulty & Kull (CMK), has been a driving force in the firm’s US operations and sits on the Global Strategy Board, a precursor to the executive group. She brings extensive experience in international insurance coverage and commercial litigation, representing corporate clients as well as domestic and international insurers in significant claims and risk analysis. A founder of the Kennedys Women’s Initiative in the US, Catalano has helped the firm earn recognition for its commitment to diversity, achieving Mansfield Certification in both the US and UK.

Reflecting on her new role, Catalano stated, “When CMK merged with Kennedys, we operated in 32 offices with 1,700 people. Today, Kennedys spans 48 offices across 21 countries with 2,900 team members. I am honored to lead the firm through our next phase of global growth, furthering our vision for both our people and our clients.”

Regional Leadership Changes: Eric Hiller and Michael Hennessy Appointed

Kennedys also announced the appointments of Eric Hiller as the new regional managing partner for the US and Michael Hennessy as regional managing partner for LATAM and the Caribbean. Hiller, previously managing partner of Kennedys’ Florida office, has been with the firm for nearly four years. Based in Miami, he is known for his representation of insurers in high-profile litigation across the United States and Caribbean. “Kennedys’ presence in the US has grown tremendously in the last three years, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for our firm in North America as we continue delivering on our strategic plan of growing the range of services the US can deliver to both our domestic and global clients,” said Hiller.

Hennessy, an English-qualified solicitor with a significant background in Latin America, joined Kennedys in 2011, bringing expertise in complex claims and reinsurance for Mexico.

As a founding partner of the Mexico City office, Hennessy noted, “In just eight years, Kennedys has established itself as one of the biggest and fastest growing insurance law firms in LATAM. As a founding partner of the Mexico City office, moving into this role is really meaningful to me, and I am looking forward to continue making Kennedys the firm of choice for our people and our clients.”